Nevada DOE Alternative Diploma Computer Education and Technology Guidance (2023)

“The Alternative Diploma does not replace any of Nevada’s existing diploma options, as both the Standard Diploma and the Adjusted Diploma options remain available to Nevada’s students (see Table 1 for a comparison of Nevada’s diploma options). However, the Alternative Diploma does differ from the Standard and Adjusted Diploma in significant ways. High school students who pursue the Alternative Diploma must complete a required series of credited, standards-aligned courses. This alignment parallels the requirements of the Standard Diploma. However, whereas achievement of the Standard Diploma will terminate a student with a disability’s guarantee to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, achievement of the Alternative Diploma will not terminate a student’s FAPE. Students with significant cognitive disabilities who achieve an Alternative Diploma will be able to remain in school until their 22nd birthday and those who choose to do so will continue to receive services under IDEA.”